The Anti-Vax Movement Isn’t Going Away. We Must Adapt to It
Depressing. I agree that vaccine denial is not going away, and that we need to find other ways to mitigate outbreaks. But what a sad situation to be in. #Health [Link]
Ben Werdmuller
Ben Werdmuller helps leaders at newsrooms, non-profits, and mission-driven organizations to navigate their biggest technology challenges.
An AI capitalism primer
Claire Anderson (hi Claire!) asked me to break down the economics of AI. How is it going to make money, and for whom? In this post I’m not going to talk too much about how the technology works, and the claims of its vendors vs the actual limitations of
Microsoft announces new Copilot Copyright Commitment for customers
“As customers ask whether they can use Microsoft’s Copilot services and the output they generate without worrying about copyright claims, we are providing a straightforward answer: yes, you can, and if you are challenged on copyright grounds, we will assume responsibility for the potential legal risks involved.” #Technology [Link]
Some newsletter changes
I’m making some experimental updates to my newsletter: Starting next week, this newsletter will come in several flavors: Technology, Media, and Society: technology and its impact on the way we live, work, learn, and vote. Late Stage: personal reflections on living and surviving in the 21st century. The Outmap:
Silicon Valley's Slaughterhouse
“Andreessen wasn’t advocating for a tech industry that accelerates the development of the human race, or elevates the human condition. He wanted to (and succeeded in creating) a Silicon Valley that builds technology that can, and I quote, “eat markets far larger than the technology industry has historically been
In defense of being unfocused
I spent a little time updating my resumé, which is a process that basically sits at the top of all the things I least like to do in the world. This time around I tried to have an eye towards focus: what about the work I do might other organizations
New Elon Musk biography offers fresh details about the billionaire's Ukraine dilemma
If I was building technology to let people watch Netflix and check their email from remote locations, I would also be upset about it being used for drone strikes. But if that's the case, you shouldn't be deploying your tech to the military in the first
Press Forward brings much-needed support for local news
I was pleased to see this announcement from the MacArthur Foundation: A coalition of 22 donors today announced Press Forward, a national initiative to strengthen communities and democracy by supporting local news and information with an infusion of more than a half-billion dollars over the next five years. Press Forward
Majority of likely Democratic voters say party should ditch Biden, poll shows
No surprises here. We need more progressive change than we’re getting. But obviously, if it’s Biden v Trump, there’s only one choice. #Democracy [Link]
Snoop Dogg can narrate your news articles
Snoop Dogg gimmick aside, this is actually pretty neat, and useful. I'd also like the opposite: sometimes I want to read podcasts. Different contexts demand different media; I wish content itself could be more adaptable. #Media [Link]
My technology thesis II
Here are my high-level technology values. And when it comes to building and selecting technology: Always build the smallest, simplest thing you can. Start with the spark, not the fire. The only code you should ever build yourself is that which adds to your core value proposition. The cloud is
Google vet wants to turn your hot water heater into a "virtual power plant"
I really need this for my home, and I suspect my entire region needs it. This could do a lot of good and be the start of something much bigger using virtual power plants as a platform. #Technology [Link]